First import announcement adds to inaugural season excitement!
When the Mainland Pouākai take the court on June 29, the Cowles Stadium crowd will be treated to well-known local favourites alongside the excitement of overseas imports.
Erin Whalen is the first import to be confirmed, bringing to Ōtautahi Christchurch the excitement of WNBA experience along with enthusiasm for community involvement.
Whalen was part of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever recent training camp. She attended Vanderbilt University for one year, and Dayton University for her final three. In 142 career games played, the 6’1” guard averaged 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and shot 36.2 percent from 3-point range over five seasons. During the 2021-22 season with the Dayton Flyers, Whalen made 70 3-point field goals while starting 30 of 31 games played.
Whalen will be going out to Canterbury primary schools to coach along with the other Pouākai players as part of the Pouākai in Schools programme.
“Introducing Pouākai in Schools will mean that tamariki can connect with and learn from Canterbury’s top basketballers, including women who rank amongst the best in the world.
It’s a fantastic learning experience for the participants and equally for the players. They love getting to know the community who come along to the games and support the first season of Tauihi Women’s Basketball Aotearoa”, stated Mainland Pouākai General Manager Caleb Harrison.
The Mainland Pouākai look forward to a strong hometown crowd for their first game in history, on June 29 at 7pm versus the Southern Hoiho. On that evening, be part of New Zealand sporting history with the first game for Tauihi Women’s Basketball Aotearoa. Tickets are available now via the ticketek website or follow this link https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=POUAKAI22 to purchase your tickets for the upcoming Pouākai season now!
